Long before the Gaekwads of Baroda rose to prominence, the city was under the governance of the Babi Nawabs, who served as officers and governors under the Mughal Empire. An Esteemed Heritage The Nawab family of Baroda traces its lineage back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad through his grandson, Hazrat Imam Husain. In the early 1500s, descendants of Imam Husain…
Vadodara-Baroda
Just like the Motibaug Palace, Mastu Baug was a distinguished wooden mansion located within the compound of the Lukshmi Vilas Palace. Believed to have been constructed in 1887, Mastu Baug was renowned for its exquisite blend of architectural styles. Architectural Splendor The building was a remarkable example of the fusion between Gujarati woodwork and Marathi Wada architectural styles. Photographs of…
When Baroda was conquered in 1721 by the Gaekwads, Patan acted as one of the administrative headquarters. Later, this was shifted to Mehsana district in 1902, as it was connected to Baroda via GBSR (Gaekwar’s Baroda State Railways). With one of the administrative headquarters being set up in Mehsana, a place for the royalty had to be the next thing…
After establishing control over the territory, the British set up a cantonment in Baroda, located in the area now known as Fatehgunj. Over the years, this cantonment has been fragmented, with major portions now occupied by the Indian Army and an EME Headquarters, while the remaining area has been divided into housing settlements and commercial complexes. Originally, the cantonment spanned…
Nestled near Sayaji Baug, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Railway Station, the Dak Bungalow served as a temporary accommodation for travelers in the early 1900s. The rooms were simply furnished with plain cots, tables, and chairs, providing essential comfort for weary visitors. An on-duty “mess-man” was always present to cater to the needs of guests and assist with the use…
Located on the premises of Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSG Hospital) was a bungalow built in the 1880s for the resident doctor of the hospital. The bungalow exemplified British Colonial architecture and was situated just behind the Memorial of Yuvaraj Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad. In its heyday, it was surrounded by large trees and even had its own small garden. Occupied by…
Baroda State had different flags during distinct periods under the reign of the Gaekwads. Between 1730 – 1874 : Baroda State had a “Bhagwa”, i.e. the saffron colored flag common for the Marathas emerging from the Maratha empire of Poone (now Pune). During 1874 – 1936 : Queen Victoria granted to use flag of Princely Standard from 1875 till 1936.This flag…
The Circuit House of Baroda is conveniently located near the Railway Station, just a three-minute walk away, ensuring ease for visitors. Known as the State Guest House, it was commissioned during the reign of Maharaja Ganpatrao Gaekwad in the 1840s. These guest houses were operated by the State and were exclusively intended to accommodate State Guests. Later, during the reign…
The Race Course, located behind Vadodara Railway Station on the Alkapuri side within a 1 km radius, was a prominent circular area in the past. It housed one of Western India’s few race courses, owned by the Maharaja of Baroda. Spanning approximately 2.4 kilometers in circumference, the ground hosted races and sports events during the 1900s, organized by State Military…
Hidden behind tall walls in the Karelibaug area of the city lies the Mental Hospital, originally known as the Lunatic Asylum, which opened on June 28th, 1898. Before its establishment, dangerous mentally ill individuals were confined and treated in the Central Jail under the Magistrate’s orders. Initially planned for just 28 patients, the facility expanded as the demand for accommodation…